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Up until now while council wardens – known as civil enforcement officers – had the power to inspect badges, but their powers were limited to issuing a parking ticket if they were invalid.

The badge itself could only be seized by a police officer, meaning the badge would remain in circulation until it was confiscated.

In many cases offenders, who face a fine of up £1,000, are reported by angry members of the public,

In addition councils, who issue the badges, maintain a register which civil enforcement officers are expected to use to verifiy the validity of any blue badge.

“We have had well over 100 referrals of parking fraud since April this year, which suggests that it is big business especially in big city centres,” said a spokesman for Westminster City Council, where on street parking can cost as much as £4.40 an hour.

“In most cases we take the badge off people, but we do take serious cases to court.”

A Department for Transport spokesman, said the move was necessary.

“Motorists who pretend to be disabled to get free parking are a nuisance because they prevent genuine Blue Badge holders from using parking bays designed for their use.

“These changes will make it easier for local authorities to seize badges being used illegally.”